Tony combines his passion for recording with passion for supporting people with disabilities

Tony Raku has had a long career in music and audio engineering, previously working at an independent record label producing music for artists and working as a freelance audio engineer for over 25 years. Tony also has a hereditary eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, which has made his vision worsens over time. Finding it challenging to find employment, he connected with CVGT Employments Inclusive Employment Australia program, where we have been able to support his journey.

Initially, our employer engagement specialist Rebecca helped Tony gain a part-time administration role, supporting him with purchase of screen reader software to support his low vision, and supporting training in using it, as well as purchase of clothes for office work. After working in this role for a while, Tony was drawn back to his passion of audio engineering, and combining this with his new-found passion of helping people with disabilities, he established Resonant Studios.

Through Resonant Studios, Tony provides personalised one-on-one music sessions for NDIS participants. Through this, participants develop creative skills, build confidence, and explore songwriting, recording, and music production in a supportive and accessible studio environment while working towards their own professionally recorded and released music.

From experience, from working with people with and without disabilities, I’ve witnessed first hand how music is a vehicle to change people in terms of building confidence and building their sense of pride, increasing their focus and even being able to themselves more. It’s a great feeling seeing that transformation in people.
Tony Raku
CVGT Employment Participant, Resonant Studios founder

Since establishing Resonant Studios, CVGT Employer Engagement Specialist Rebecca has been supporting Tony to help grow his business and give some ideas of ways that he can grow his customer base.

Tony was always presentable and has the biggest smile and was just super friendly. It’s been really warm and inviting getting to know Tony. It’s been a pleasure to work with him for the last year in supporting his journey.
Rebecca
CVGT Employer Engagement Specialist

In the video below, Tony reflects on his employment journey, the support he has received from CVGT Employment through the Inclusive Employment Australia program and the establishment of Resonant Studios.

Today, Tony is thriving in his business at role at Resonant Studios, with CVGT Employment continuing to support him as he grows his business. We celebrate the great opportunity he provides for NDIS participants to bring their musical vision to life.